Govt. appeals to farmers not to use canal water for irrigation
The district administration in Belagavi has requested farmers to refrain from using canal water for irrigation due to a 20% rainfall deficit. Officials stated that current reservoir levels are being prioritized for drinking water until next summer.
Why it matters
Water scarcity and the competition between agricultural and domestic needs are critical issues for rural livelihoods and regional stability in India.
The district administration has appealed to farmers not to use canal water for irrigation and use water judiciously.
As many as seven of the 15 taluks have received normal rainfall but the rest have received scanty rains. Overall, the district has 20% rainfall deficit. Compared to last year, the water storage in Hidkal and Navilutirtha reservoirs is less this year.
The government has instructed to use the available water for drinking purposes until next summer, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan said here on Friday.
“Some people are demanding to release water into the canals for feeding the crops. However, for now, we have planned to use the water for drinking purposes only. We will try to release water for agriculture if more water flows into the reservoirs in the coming days,” he told reporters.
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